Page 34 of Married to the Ruthless Duke

“Anything I say to Your Grace is the absolute truth—no hint of flattery there,” he assured her, laying on the charm even thicker.

In her opinion, he was trying to get a rise out of Alexander, and it worked, since Alexander drew her even closer to himself.

“Careful, James. I suggest you go find your own bride. Hopefully, she will forgive your excesses.”

At that, James raised his hands in mock surrender. “All right, I am going. Enjoy your honeymoon,” he said with a good-natured smile.

Alexander watched as James left, shaking his head in exasperation with a smile on his face. It warmed Helen’s heart that James was able to make him smile. She could sense that the Marquess was a good friend.

Slowly, the long queue seeking to offer their congratulations dwindled, and her father and sister surfaced. Her sister proceeded to pull her into a tight embrace.

“You look amazing, my dear sister. Be happy.”

Pulling away, Margaret dabbed at the corners of her eyes, and Helen felt tears well up in her eyes. She was definitely going to miss living with her papa and Maggie, but they could always visit.

“My younger sister is now a married woman. I feel like a proud mama!” Margaret admitted, and they both laughed between their sobs. Then, in a rare gesture of boldness, she turned to the Duke. “I would warn you to treat my sister well, and I would have you know that if you mistreat her in any way, you will have to contend with me.”

The Duke smiled and then executed a slightly exaggerated bow. “I swear on my honor, Miss Ludlow, I will protect my wife. Never doubt it.”

Helen had to admit that hearing him refer to her as his wife made her giddy, and she was definitely looking forward to the night ahead and having his undivided attention.

“My dear daughter,” her father said, taking both of her hands in his, “I am really proud of the woman you have become, and I have no doubt you would build a lovely home with the Duke by your side.” Then, turning to the Duke, he said, “Please take good care of her.”

“I will, My Lord,” Alexander answered, a good-natured smile on his face.

Dabbing his eyes with a kerchief, the Viscount set his jaw in a determined line. “May I borrow my daughter for a while, Your Grace?”

Alexander’s brow furrowed in curiosity, but he relented. “Yes, you may.”

The Viscount led Helen a few steps away and then stopped. He turned to her and said, “I am aware that you were never given adequate education on what to expect in the marriage bed. I aim to rectify that.”

Helen was all for rectifying unfortunate situations, but the problem was that he was talking to her shoulder, since his gaze was fixed somewhere beyond her, and he was clearly fidgeting, and the way he tensed up showed he was clearly uncomfortable with the topic. The poor man was suffering, hence she decided to put an end to his misery.

“Papa,” she said, smiling gently at him, “I am already suitably informed. My maid explained it to me, and remember, I have married friends. I just might be the most informed bride in the whole of London, so do not worry.”

At that, the tension drained from his body, and he exhaled in relief. Poor man, it was definitely not easy playing the role of both parents for a child, but she admired him for doing the best he could. She was glad she was his daughter.

Embracing him, she placed a kiss on his weathered cheek “Stay well, Papa. I will try to visit.”

He just nodded in reply.

Just then, she felt the Duke’s arm on her shoulders.

“Honeyfield, I fear I must collect my wife. We have a long way to travel. I hope to cover as much ground as we can in the light of day.”

“Don’t let me keep you. I wish you the best of life together.”

“Thank you, My Lord.”

He then proceeded to take her arm, tucking it under his arm he herded her into his carriage, which was probably brought around while she had that conversation with her father.

The whole wedding ceremony was short because of the absence of a wedding breakfast. Alexander had termed it an unnecessary expense, and besides, the ton interpreted the absence of the wedding breakfast to mean that he was impatient to bed his bride.

Alexander would agree that they were right, but that was not the only reason he had to save whatever funds he had on hold for the Framptons’ business. He was not about to let the estate sink after all the work he had put into restoring it. He hoped to keep the estate afloat to provide a means of livelihood for the local villagers.

The ride all the way to his estate was peaceful while he went through the papers, familiarizing himself with the recent happenings around London. When he looked over at Helen, he found that she had fallen asleep, resting her head on the wall of the carriage. She must have been tired from all the preparations because she barely stirred while he repositioned her head on his shoulder and covered her with the blanket in her lap.

At that, she snuggled even closer, like a cat, sighing with contentment. That brought a smile to Alexander’s face. She looked really adorable when she slept. He rested his head back, enjoying the feel of her warm weight beside him, and slowly, her lavender scent lulled him to sleep.

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